Morocco Imperial Cities from Casablanca

Overview:

We offer you a mesmerizing 10-day journey through Morocco’s Imperial cities and breathtaking landscapes, starting from the vibrant hub of Casablanca and delving into the rich history of Rabat, Meknes, and Fez, each offering a tapestry of ancient wonders and cultural treasures. Traverse the golden dunes of Merzouga on camelback, immersing yourself in the vibrant traditions of the Gnawi people and marveling at the serene beauty of the Sahara. Explore the dramatic Todra Gorges and Dades Valley before venturing into the cinematic landscapes of Ait Ben Haddou. In Marrakech, lose yourself in the labyrinthine souks, admire the intricate architecture of historic mosques and palaces, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Jamaa El Fna square at sunset. Conclude your unforgettable odyssey with a day trip to the coastal charm of Essaouira, where the sea breeze whispers tales of ancient seafarers. With each day promising new adventures and discoveries, this immersive tour is a testament to the timeless allure of Morocco.

Highlights: 

• Start in Casablanca, exploring the Corniche and Hassan II Mosque
• Journey to Rabat, discovering Hassan Tower and Mausoleum Mohammed V
• Visit Volubilis and Meknes en route to Fez, with stops at historic sites like Bab Mansour and Moulay Ismail Palace
• Explore Fez’s ancient medina, including Karaouine Mosque and Madrassa, and the Royal Palace
• Experience Merzouga’s golden desert with camel treks, Gnawi music, and a night under the stars
• Drive through the stunning landscapes of Midelt and Erfoud, with stops to admire natural beauty and local culture
• Discover the dramatic Todra Gorges and Dades Valley, adorned with kasbahs and palm groves
• Visit the iconic Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site featured in numerous films
• Explore Marrakech’s landmarks such as Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, and the vibrant souks
• Take a day trip to Essaouira, known for its seaside charm and historic medina
• Conclude the tour back in Casablanca, departing with memories of an unforgettable Moroccan adventure

Program of the Morocco Imperial Cities Tour

DAY 1: CASABLANCA – RABAT

The 10-day tour of the Morocco Imperial cities will start from the Economic capital of Morocco, Casablanca where our team will pick you up from the place you are booked at or at the international Airport Mohammed V. The first drive will take you to see the grand Casablanca’ Cornish which has a panoramic view to the sea and the giant minaret of Hassan the second Mosque. Then our voyage will continue towards the Capital of Morocco, Rabat with its old Hassan Tower not far from it we can see the Mausoleum Mohammed V and ancient Medina. This city is nominated as an Imperial city and called a World Heritage by UNESCO. There we will spend the first night.

DAY 2: RABAT – MEKNES – VOLUBILIS – FES

The Second day will begin in Rabat with breakfast at the Hotel. Then we will start traveling to the city of Fez; the road will take you through the beautiful farms along the banks of the route where olive trees, cereals, and vegetables are grown. The trip will take us to meet both Volubilis and the city of Meknes. Volubilis is an old Roman site which represents the very southern presence of the Roman Empire. Later we stopped to have lunch at the city of Meknes created by Moulay Ismail one of the first kings of the old Monarchs of Morocco after lunchtime will visit many places to name but a few: Bab Mansour a big door on the old wall of the city which will take us directly to Moulay Ismail Palace. Also, we will visit the Herri Es-Souani an old horse’s stable and granaries with ais large pool.

After we visit Meknes, we will continue our drive towards Fez, the old capital of Morocco known as the scientific capital of Morocco because of its old Karawiyin Madrassa the oldest university in the world recognized; the city has a world heritage by UNESCO in 1981.

DAY 3: EXPLORING FES

The next day will be devoted only to visiting the city of Fez. After having breakfast, you will be able to visit the old still living city in the world with an official local guide who will take you into the traditional markets of the city stopping at the Royal Palace, the visit will take you to the oldest University in the world the mosque and Madrassa of Karaouine build by Fatima El Fehria in the 9^th century. Your guide also will take you to visit the tomb of the city founder “Moulay Idriss the Second”. Here it comes to lunchtime when you will be served in a well-known traditional restaurant in the Medina. In the afternoon the Najarine fountain, the old harem Garden, and the Batha Museum. On your way to the hotel, the guide will invite you to have a panoramic look at the city and take pictures.

DAY 4: FES – AZROU – MIDLET – ZIZ VALLEY – MERZOUGA

The voyage will continue after a tasty breakfast at the hotel in Fez Heading towards Merzouga known for its golden desert in the southeast of Morocco. Through the route we will drive by the city of Ifran; different from the other cities of the country Ifran has European wonderful architecture surrounded by the Cedar forest; here we can stop to feed monkeys living in that forest and enjoy the fresh air. After that we will continue the route to Midelt City; located in the middle atlas; known for its apple production and the ancient mines of Plumb. We will stop there for lunchtime and continue the trip. The next direction will be Erfoud an oasis town in eastern Morocco, crossing the Tizi Ntalghamt a passage through the mountain that will transport you to another landscape view with deserted mountains except next to the river. Arriving at Arfoud the trip we will drive directly to Merzouga stop at an auberge leave your luggage there and ride camels to the khaima “the tent” in the desert. You will be served dinner then listen to the local music with drums and dance around a campfire.

DAY 5: MERZOUGA AREA AND THE CAMEL TREK

The 5^th day is going to be a full day in Merzouga will start after a delicious breakfast with a visit to explore the area. We will visit the Gnawi people living in Khamlia Village; who came from southern countries of Africa as slaves in the past and integrated the Moroccan society, listen to their music, and experience their lifestyle at the khaima (tent). Near this village we can see the lake of Merzouga or lake Dayet Srij which was dry for a long time, but today welcomes many various birds including the amazing colony of greater flamingos. The visit may also take you to the wire house where many Amazigh handicrafts are sold at a very good price. Back to the hotel or Riad for lunch time and relax after that you will go for a camel ride with an experienced local camel guide who will take you to explore the sand sea of the Erg-Chebbi for 2-3 hours before dinner. If you prefer to spend the night under the stars around a fire camp to enjoy the fresh air with local music and the wonderful stars in the sky and sleep in a traditional Amazigh tent.

DAY 6: MERZOUGA – TODRA GORGES – DADES VALLEY

On the 6^th day, you will wake up early in the morning to admire the sunrise shining on the golden sand.  After that, we ride back on camels to the auberge. Where you will have a shower to refresh your body and then an appetite breakfast. Putting back your things on the bus, we will drive to Marrakech, meeting the Rissani city the former capital of the Tafilalt region, and cross roads between northern and southern regions, then the Todra Gorges a series of limestone river canyons near the Tinghir city; where the large palm forest and agriculture show in the Moroccan desert handicrafts along the way.

Shaped thousands year ago thanks to the power of water going in the river the gorge gave us a very amazing view. We will drive through the road of the thousand Kasbahs in the great palm Skoura towards the valley of Dades which also has a spectacular landscape similar to that of the Todra gorge decorated with hundreds of Kasbahs. Take the narrow road in the valley and stop by to enjoy it, have dinner, and spend the night.

DAY 7: DADES VALLEY – AIT BEN HADDOU – TIZI N’TICHKA PASS – MARRAKECH

The next morning, you will have a breakfast meal. Then we will start the trip meeting the oasis of Skoura and the valley of roses which is cultivated with hectares of roses; their beauty and smell could be seen in May. The drive will take us to the Ighram “the fortified village” of Ait ben Haddou; where we will have lunch, whose name is taken from the Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a world Heritage site by UNESCO in 1987, where famous films were shot to name but a few as Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, The Mummy. Tizi Ntichka, is the next stop, a mountain wind road which we will climb to the top and take pictures of the amazing view. At the end of the road, Marrakech was known in Tamazight as Amour N Akouch or the land of GOD.

DAY 8: EXPLORING MARRAKECH

This day is devoted to visiting the famous places of Marrakech. You will start by visiting the Menara, an old pool surrounded by beautiful gardens and fields irrigated from the pool using an old system of irrigation, that was established in the 12 century. The overview of the tour will consider several important places in the city for example the Koutoubia Mosque, Majorel Gardens, Bahia Palace, and Dar Si Said Palace museum of jewellery. The guide will invite you for an optional lunch in the Medina, and then you will walk the colorful souks of Marrakech. The sunset time you will have an overlook from the terrace of a café to the Jamaa Elna square. The day will End with a special dinner served at the Hotel.

DAY 9: DAY TRIP TO ESSAOUIRA

The following morning after having your breakfast, the tour will take you on a day visit to the city of Essaouira and back for an overnight in Marrakech, The city you will be visiting is called the Wind City and known for its wonderful seaside where many surfers came to practice their favorite sport. Along with the beach, you can see many merchants selling different types of fish. There you can enjoy your lunchtime. After that, we will go for a walk to discover the ancient walls of the medina and take pictures. At the end, we will drive back the Marrakech.

DAY 10: MARRAKECH – CASABLANCA AIRPORT

Finally, the tour comes to its last day after 10 days tour. In the morning after having your breakfast, our driver will take you to Casablanca’s airport or wherever you want to go at the end of our services.

Contact us for further details or to Customize your tour for a Memorable holiday in Morocco Imperial Cities.

Map: Morocco Imperial Cities Tour